From your base in Tokyo, you will visit some of the most impressive sights of Japan, including both ancient temples and modern wonders. Tour the 7th-century Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and visit the Tokyo Tower, a soaring observation tower and iconic symbol of the city. Discover Tokyo’s fascinating Shogun history or Japan’s rich tradition of art at superb museums, and during your leisure time, perhaps take in the high-energy atmosphere of Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping and entertainment district.
DAY 1
After disembarking from the ship in, you will begin a half-day guided driving tour through the city. Highlights might include the famed Roppongi district, which is the epicenter of nightlife, and Kasumigaseki, a neighborhood of government buildings. Along the way, you may pause for photos of landmarks such as the stately National Diet Building, where Japan’s parliament or diet meets.
Your first visit is the National Museum of Nature & Science. Established in 1877 it is one of the oldest museums in Japan and chronicles the growth of the Japanese islands from geologic time to present. In addition, there are exhibits showcasing the harmony between Japanese people and nature.
Note: this museum visit is replacing the originally scheduled Edo Tokyo Museum which will be closing in April 2022 for large-scale renovations.
Any guests on sailings visiting Japan prior to April 2022 will still visit the Edo Tokyo Museum.
In time, you will stop at Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine built to venerate Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1852-1912. It is the largest and most visited shrine in Japan, in part because of its beautiful park-like setting and the fact that Meiji is revered as Japan’s first modern emperor.
Following the shrine visit, you will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and then proceed to your hotel where you will spend the next three evenings. After settling in, you may explore as you see fit, as the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own, as well.
NOTE: In general, hotel rooms in Japan are smaller than hotel rooms elsewhere around the world. Per Japanese culture, standard typical bedding is two twin beds. Although every effort will be made to obtain rooms with one bed for couples, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you require two beds, kindly make sure to advise this when booking your program.
NOTE: Guests on Nautica’s April 15, 2022 sailing will visit the Edo Tokyo Museum on Day 3 and the Tokyo Tower on Day 1
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will begin yet another half-day tour of Tokyo, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective. You will first visit the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, which was founded in the early 7th century. You will enter through a gate decorated with a huge red paper lantern, weather permitting.
The architecture is stunning, as this temple is the country’s oldest and one of the most revered. One of the highlights is Nakamise-dori, known as the “Street of Inside Shops,” an alley lined with vendors selling traditional food, souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.
DAY 3
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out on another half day tour.
Firstly, you will visit Imperial Palace Plaza (no interior visit). Japan’s emperor and empress reside at the Palace. Surrounded by a moat, the palace was formerly known as Edo Castle, and samurai warriors lived there in the 17th through 19th centuries. In the large plaza in front of the palace, you can view the famed Nijubashi—two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks.
Next, visit the Tokyo Tower. Definitely a city landmark since its completion in 1958, it became a symbol for Japan’s rebirth as a major economic power and served as a radio broadcast antenna and tourist attraction. Nowadays is Japan’s second tallest, self-supporting steel tower, standing 333 meters high. If the sky is clear you will be able to see as far away as Mt. Fuji from the main observatory.
Upon return to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Check out is at 12:00pm.
You will be transferred to either the Narita or Haneda International Airports per your flight details.
For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at your hotel.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:30am Disembark the ship
Half day panoramic city sights with a few photo stops along the way
Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science as well as the Meiji Jingu Shrine
Lunch at a local restaurant
3:30pm Drive to the hotel
4:00pm Arrive your hotel and check in
Dinner on your own
Overnight at Hilton Tokyo or similar hotel
NOTE: Guests on Nautica’s April 15, 2022 sailing will visit the Edo Tokyo Museum on Day 3 and the Tokyo Tower on Day 1
Note: The National Museum visit is replacing the originally scheduled Edo Tokyo Museum which will be closing in April 2022 for large-scale renovations.
Any guests on sailings visiting Japan prior to April 2022 will still visit the Edo Tokyo Museum.
Day 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Half day tour including the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
1:00pm Return to your hotel
Afternoon is at your leisure. Lunch and dinner on your own
Overnight at Hilton Tokyo or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Half day tour including the Imperial Palace Plaza & Tokyo Tower
1:00pm Return to your hotel
Afternoon is at your leisure. Lunch and dinner on your own
Overnight at Hilton Tokyo or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
12:00pm Check out time
TBA Transfer to either the Narita or Haneda International Airports for your flight home
Transfers will be based on your flight time. Luggage storage is available at the hotel should you have a late flight.
Note: the drive to the Narita Airport is approximately 1.5 – 2 hours from the hotel.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected weather:
The average high in March in Tokyo is 9 C (48 F)
The average high in April in Tokyo is 14 C (57 F)
The average high in June in Tokyo is 21 C (70 F)
The average high in October in Tokyo is 18 C (64 F)
What to bring:
A warm jacket, an umbrella, warm gloves and comfortable walking shoes.
Local currency:
Japanese yen
USD are not widely accepted therefore you will need to change your money into local currency
Electricity:
The voltage in Japan is 100 Volts, which is different from North America (120V), Central Europe (230V) and most other regions of the world. You can use your electric appliances in Japan, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia), you need a voltage converter in Japan. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electronic devices
Documents and visa requirements:
Valid passports are required to embark the ship. Please consult your local Japanese embassy for visa requirements.
Hotel Information:
Hilton Tokyo
6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3344-5111
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If a similar hotel is required, it will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•3-nights’ accommodation at the Hilton Tokyo (or similar hotel) - standard room
•3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
•Tours and entrances per the itinerary with Local English-Speaking Guide
•Transfers
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals and beverages other than those stated in the itinerary
•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.